Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
03ANKARA6139
2003-09-30 15:02:00
CONFIDENTIAL
Embassy Ankara
Cable title:  

TURKEY UNLIKELY TO OFFICIALLY CANCEL CYPRUS

Tags:  MOPS PREL TU GR CY 
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C O N F I D E N T I A L ANKARA 006139 

SIPDIS


STATE FOR EUR/SE


E.O. 12958: DECL: 09/30/2013
TAGS: MOPS PREL TU GR CY
SUBJECT: TURKEY UNLIKELY TO OFFICIALLY CANCEL CYPRUS
EXERCISE SOON


REF: A. ANKARA 5897

B. 02 ANKARA 7069

C. 02 ANKARA 7786

D. NICOSIA 1882

E. ATHENS 3240

F. STATE 257142


(U) Classified by DCM Robert Deutsch. Reasons: 1.5 (B) and
(D)


C O N F I D E N T I A L ANKARA 006139

SIPDIS


STATE FOR EUR/SE


E.O. 12958: DECL: 09/30/2013
TAGS: MOPS PREL TU GR CY
SUBJECT: TURKEY UNLIKELY TO OFFICIALLY CANCEL CYPRUS
EXERCISE SOON


REF: A. ANKARA 5897

B. 02 ANKARA 7069

C. 02 ANKARA 7786

D. NICOSIA 1882

E. ATHENS 3240

F. STATE 257142


(U) Classified by DCM Robert Deutsch. Reasons: 1.5 (B) and
(D)



1. (C) We followed up on our earlier demarche about
canceling the upcoming exercises on Cyprus (ref A) with MFA
Deputy DG for Greece/Cyprus Necip Eguz on Sept 29.
PolMilCouns pressed upon Eguz the need for an early official
GOT position in order to ensure all sides follow last year's
precedent of reciprical cancellations. Eguz said that Ankara
had yet to make an "official" decision. However, "nothing is
different" from last year, he stated, with both MFA and TGS
inclined to follow the past two years' precedents. This
meant preparations for the exercises would continue, but the
Turkish Toros/Barbaros exercise would not occur if the
Greek/Cypriot Toxotix/Nikiforos did not. "Timing is on our
side," he observed (meaning the exercises in the south are
scheduled to occur earlier than in the north).



2. (C) Pol-Mil Counselor observed that last year there had
been a formal agreement between the Greek and Turkish foreign
ministers to forego the exercises (ref C). Eguz recalled
that that agreement occurred "at the last minute," but
accepted that Ankara should consider how that might impact on
the Turkish policy toward the exercises this year. He
undertook to consult with others within the GOT and get back
with us.



3. (C) Comment: Ankara is inclined to sit and wait to see
what the Greeks and Cypriots do before committing itself to
cancel its exercise. Our reminding Eguz of last year's
bilateral understanding between Greece and Turkey may have
prompted a review of the GOT position. The Ambassador will
follow up when he sees Deputy TGS Chief General Basbug on
October 2. We will also seek other opportunities to urge
Turkey to cancel its exercise formally if the Greeks do the
same. Unfortunately, a decision before October 1 appears
unlikely. End comment.
EDELMAN